Helping founders find community and connections
Provides entrepreneurial teams with training, mentorship, and funding to explore the commercial potential of scientific or technological innovations, focusing on customer discovery and business model development through the Lean LaunchPad methodology.
Training/Course
in
Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Supports early-stage startups in AI, health, advanced manufacturing, fintech, and emerging tech with tailored resources, mentorship, industry connections, and performance-based seed investment to accelerate growth and help founders achieve critical business milestones.
Accelerator
in
Escape Velocity
Provides commercial-grade labs and offices with flexible leases, business services, and a supportive community for science and technology ventures in southeastern Connecticut, fostering productivity and collaboration near major cities and research institutions.
Incubator
in
BioCT
Offers a 6-week accelerator and pitch competition for Connecticut women business owners from under-resourced communities, providing training, mentorship, and a chance to win funding to support business growth in technology or consumer packaged goods sectors.
Accelerator
in
Girls For Technology
Guides aspiring entrepreneurs in the pre-venture stage to develop a comprehensive business blueprint through an 8-session virtual course, featuring expert instruction, peer interaction, and practical tools, with an opportunity to apply for a start-up grant.
Training/Course
in
Women’s Business Development Council - Waterbury
Guides aspiring entrepreneurs in the pre-venture stage to develop a comprehensive business blueprint through an 8-session virtual course, featuring expert instruction, peer interaction, and practical tools, with an opportunity to apply for a start-up grant.
Training/Course
in
Women’s Business Development Council - Hartford
Guides aspiring entrepreneurs in the pre-venture stage to develop a comprehensive business blueprint through an 8-session virtual course, featuring expert instruction, peer interaction, and practical tools, with an opportunity to apply for a start-up grant.
Training/Course
in
Women’s Business Development Council - Stamford
Provides a shared workspace and business incubator for writers and creatives, offering professional community, workshops, events, and amenities to foster productivity, creativity, and business growth in a supportive environment.
Community/Networking
in
Fairfield County Story Lab
CCEI's flagship 8-week summer accelerator for UConn-affiliated startups, selecting 10 teams for intensive programming 3 days/week with 1-on-1 mentorship, pro bono legal/accounting/branding services, and a pathway to $150,000+ in prize funding.
Accelerator
in
UConn Innovation
CTSBDC Capital Access advising helps small businesses identify and prepare for funding, connecting them with lenders, angel investors, SBA loans, and other financing options.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Connecticut Small Business Development Center – Middlesex County
CTSBDC Capital Access advising helps small businesses identify and prepare for funding, connecting them with lenders, angel investors, SBA loans, and other financing options.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Connecticut Small Business Development Center – Storrs
CTSBDC Capital Access advising helps small businesses identify and prepare for funding, connecting them with lenders, angel investors, SBA loans, and other financing options.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Connecticut Small Business Development Center – Danbury
A center for innovation and collaboration offering a makerspace, co-working and entrepreneurial resources, skill certifications, digital tools, and events to support business, civic, and creative growth in the New Haven community.
Community/Networking
in
Ives Squared
Connects minority business owners with vacant downtown storefronts, providing training, technical assistance, and a collaborative framework to advance equity, support entrepreneurship, and revitalize main streets in Connecticut communities.
Service
in
Connecticut Main Street Center
A center for innovation and collaboration offering a makerspace, co-working and entrepreneurial resources, skill certifications, digital tools, and events to support business, civic, and creative growth in the New Haven community.
Community/Networking
in
Ives Squared
Offers expert-led sessions on launching and growing businesses, networking opportunities, mentoring, workshops on key business topics, and coaching for crowdfunding and grant applications, while recognizing members’ achievements.
Community/Networking
in
Entrepreneurship Foundation
A nationally recognized, free 3-phase entrepreneurship training program for post-9/11 veterans with disabilities, offering online coursework, an intense on-campus residency, and 12 months of follow-on mentorship and support.
Training/Course
in
UConn Innovation
Helps senior leaders new to the region or their roles understand local assets and challenges through community tours, networking, and engagement with key stakeholders to foster connections and encourage involvement in strengthening the Capital City.
Community/Networking
in
Leadership Greater Hartford
NCDC program supporting diverse entrepreneurs in downtown Norwich through cultural outreach, business education, and storefront activation, accounting for ~30% of new downtown businesses since 2018.
Training/Course
in
Norwich Community Development Corporation
Offers practical training in leadership, team management, and collaboration, with a focus on strategic planning, conflict resolution, and real-world project work to develop essential professional skills and foster inclusion in a diverse workforce.
Training/Course
in
Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce
Offers a 9-session interactive series for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop a business plan, featuring expert instruction, resources, and personalized support to move from concept to growth and launch their business ideas.
Training/Course
in
Women’s Business Development Council - Hartford
Offers a 9-session interactive series for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop a business plan, featuring expert instruction, resources, and personalized support to move from concept to growth and launch their business ideas.
Training/Course
in
Women’s Business Development Council - Waterbury
Offers a 9-session interactive series for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop a business plan, featuring expert instruction, resources, and personalized support to move from concept to growth and launch their business ideas.
Training/Course
in
Women’s Business Development Council - Stamford
Facilitates one-to-one connections for professional development, enabling participants to expand networks, gain insights, and build skills through career mentoring, with opportunities for both mentors and mentees to grow and achieve specific career goals.
Training/Course
in
ISACA Greater Hartford Chapter
Facilitates UK and US insurance technology companies’ market entry by providing a structured platform to test concepts, access resources, and connect with industry leaders in both regions, fostering cross-border innovation and business growth.
Accelerator
in
InsurTech Corridor
Offers free in-person and online trainings, webinars, and networking events featuring industry experts, helping communities implement best practices for vibrant downtowns and providing resources for small businesses and local revitalization efforts.
Training/Course
in
Connecticut Main Street Center
Prepares participants for community leadership roles through exposure to local institutions, skill-building, networking, and a group service project, fostering professional growth and a deeper understanding of regional challenges and opportunities.
Training/Course
in
Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce
Hosts a pitch competition for entrepreneurs to present business ideas that drive growth, offering cash prizes, networking opportunities, and feedback from expert judges to help ventures advance to the next level.
Community/Networking
in
Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (Groton)
Offers a multi-phase leadership development experience with workshops, personalized coaching, and needs assessment to address organizational challenges, enhance team performance, and build communication, strategic planning, and culture optimization skills.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Leadership Greater Hartford
Offers business education, networking, and resources for small contractors, covering topics like branding, certification, government contracting, bidding, and access to capital to help participants grow and succeed in the construction industry.
Training/Course
in
Minority Construction Council
Six-month professional development and team-building initiative providing Connecticut communities with expert guidance, coaching, and resources to implement impactful downtown projects, plus eligibility for grant funding upon program completion.
Accelerator
in
Connecticut Main Street Center
Provides personalized business advice, strategic funding assistance, outreach, training, networking events, technical support, and group coaching to help entrepreneurs access capital, build skills, and grow their businesses, with a focus on underserved and minority-owned enterprises.
Service
in
Black Business Alliance
Offers a 7-session interactive course for business owners to develop strategic marketing plans, receive expert guidance, and participate in peer review, resulting in actionable tactics to grow their businesses. Scholarships available for those who qualify.
Training/Course
in
Women’s Business Development Council - Stamford
Offers a 7-session interactive course for business owners to develop strategic marketing plans, receive expert guidance, and participate in peer review, resulting in actionable tactics to grow their businesses. Scholarships available for those who qualify.
Training/Course
in
Women’s Business Development Council - Waterbury
Offers a 7-session interactive course for business owners to develop strategic marketing plans, receive expert guidance, and participate in peer review, resulting in actionable tactics to grow their businesses. Scholarships available for those who qualify.
Training/Course
in
Women’s Business Development Council - Hartford
Provides minority entrepreneurs with mentorship, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive environment to help startups and existing businesses grow, innovate, and connect within a vibrant business community in New Haven.
Incubator
in
Greater New Haven Business & Professional Association
Offers networking, training, and support services for entrepreneurs and small businesses, including skills certifications, business incubator space, computer center access, and community resources to foster economic development and professional growth in the Greater New Haven area.
Incubator
in
Greater New Haven Business & Professional Association
No-cost, confidential one-on-one business advising from professional CTSBDC advisors covering business planning, marketing, operations, financials, and more for startups and existing businesses.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Connecticut Small Business Development Center – Middlesex County
No-cost, confidential one-on-one business advising from professional CTSBDC advisors covering business planning, marketing, operations, financials, and more for startups and existing businesses.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Connecticut Small Business Development Center – Storrs
No-cost, confidential one-on-one business advising from professional CTSBDC advisors covering business planning, marketing, operations, financials, and more for startups and existing businesses.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Connecticut Small Business Development Center – Danbury
Planning: Helps organizations set priorities and define a purposeful direction for future growth. Boards: Strengthens board engagement to maximize organizational impact. CEO Transition: Guides leadership changes for reflection, assessment, and long-term success. Managing Finances: Supports nonprofits in achieving long-term financial sustainability. Fundraising & Marketing: Mobilizes supporters to advance the organization’s mission. Technology: Enhances mission delivery through strategic technology use. Leadership Development: Cultivates effective leadership for organizational success. Collaboration & Merger: Facilitates partnerships to increase capacity and impact. Evaluation: Fosters a culture of learning and continuous improvement. Small Nonprofits: Builds sustainable infrastructure for organizations with limited revenue. Social Enterprise: Assists in launching or expanding mission-driven, revenue-generating ventures. Legal Issues: Minimizes legal risks and ensures regulatory compliance. Human Resources: Improves HR systems and practices for organizational health. Grants: Provides access to funding opportunities for nonprofits. Additional Resources: Connects organizations with helpful community resources.
Accelerator
in
Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Offers professional development through interactive sessions and a community-focused group project, enhancing leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while connecting participants with local leaders and key issues to prepare them for leadership roles in business and the community.
Training/Course
in
Greater Norwalk Chamber
Connects young adults with free technical skills training, certifications, and job placement in IT support, UX/UI design, and cybersecurity, aiming to increase economic self-sufficiency and workforce equity for underrepresented communities.
Training/Course
in
Girls For Technology
Offers a 10-month experiential leadership program for mid-career professionals, featuring workshops, coaching, and community impact projects to foster personal growth, networking, and advanced leadership skills with a strong focus on community engagement and inclusion.
Training/Course
in
Leadership Greater Hartford
Provides Connecticut manufacturers with customized training, upskilling, and technical support for employees, including wage subsidies for on-the-job mentoring, to help businesses grow and build a stronger workforce in a rapidly changing industry.
Training/Course
in
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology
CTSBDC's structured entrepreneurship training program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs in CT, with multilingual support and sessions covering business fundamentals, finance, and growth.
Training/Course
in
Connecticut Small Business Development Center
CTSBDC's structured entrepreneurship training program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs in CT, with multilingual support and sessions covering business fundamentals, finance, and growth.
Training/Course
in
Connecticut Small Business Development Center – Danbury
CTSBDC's structured entrepreneurship training program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs in CT, with multilingual support and sessions covering business fundamentals, finance, and growth.
Training/Course
in
Connecticut Small Business Development Center – Storrs
CTSBDC's structured entrepreneurship training program for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs in CT, with multilingual support and sessions covering business fundamentals, finance, and growth.
Training/Course
in
Connecticut Small Business Development Center – Middlesex County
Advances economic and community development by connecting local businesses, providing networking opportunities, sharing resources, and advocating for a vibrant, inclusive business environment in Norwalk and surrounding areas.
Community/Networking
in
Greater Norwalk Chamber
Equips aspiring entrepreneurs with practical knowledge, hands-on guidance, and access to resources through workshops, seminars, and personalized support to help launch, manage, and grow successful businesses in the New Haven community.
Training/Course
in
Greater New Haven Business & Professional Association
Provides technical assistance, counseling, and certification support to help minority, woman, disabled, and veteran-owned construction businesses grow, with a focus on underserved areas in Connecticut. Services include webinars, outreach, and one-on-one guidance.
Service
in
Minority Construction Council
Focuses on improving quality of life by connecting businesses, government, and nonprofits to drive economic and social impact, foster innovation, support workforce development, and build a thriving, tech-enabled community in the Stamford region.
Community/Networking
in
The Stamford Partnership
Offers an eight-week, intensive experience for UConn-affiliated startups, providing mentorship, hands-on support, pro bono business services, and non-dilutive funding to help founders launch and grow scalable ventures.
Accelerator
in
Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Cultivates Greater Fairfield County as a leading technology hub by connecting innovative companies with top talent, offering training, career resources, and networking opportunities to build a robust, diverse, and accessible tech workforce.
Community/Networking
in
CT Tech Hub
Prepares early-stage B2B ventures for funding through a 12-week mentoring program, expert series, pitch practice, and investor meetings, using Silicon Valley standards. No equity is taken; graduates receive introductions to venture capitalists.
Accelerator
in
TechXel Stamford
Provides educational resources, training, and technical assistance in English and Spanish for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees in Connecticut, covering management, financial literacy, technology, health, safety, and business development strategies throughout the year.
Training/Course
in
Spanish American Merchants Association
Drives economic and community impact by connecting businesses, government, and nonprofits to foster innovation, workforce development, and quality of life improvements for residents and stakeholders through public-private partnerships and ecosystem-building initiatives focused on technology and sustainability.
Community/Networking
in
The Stamford Partnership
Prepares early-stage B2B ventures for angel or seed funding through mentoring, expert-led sessions, pitch practice, and investor meetings, following Silicon Valley standards. No equity is taken, and graduates are introduced to a network of venture capitalists.
Accelerator
in
TechXel Stamford
Provides a supportive environment where writers develop their craft and careers through small classes, one-on-one editing, and master classes led by acclaimed faculty, fostering growth in a positive, professional, and fun community.
Training/Course
in
Fairfield County Story Lab
Free and low-cost online workshops, webinars, and on-demand courses covering business topics such as finance, marketing, intellectual property, government contracting, and more.
Training/Course
in
Connecticut Small Business Development Center – Middlesex County
Provides a welcoming, collaborative workspace for writers and creatives, offering quiet areas for focused work, community support, and opportunities for networking and professional development through events and residencies.
Community/Networking
in
Fairfield County Story Lab
A CCEI program for Connecticut women entrepreneurs and innovators, originally a day-long conference now evolved into a year-round series of networking events and mentoring opportunities building a committed statewide network.
Community/Networking
in
UConn Innovation